Shepherd’s Pie Recipe: A Classic Comfort Food You’ll Love!
Shepherd’s Pie is the ultimate comfort food—a warm, hearty dish packed with rich flavors and wholesome ingredients. This classic recipe features a savory ground lamb or beef filling, simmered with vegetables and seasonings, then topped with creamy mashed potatoes that bake to golden perfection. Perfect for cozy family dinners or meal prep, Shepherd’s Pie is a satisfying and easy-to-make dish that brings warmth to every bite. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or a simple weeknight meal, this traditional favorite is sure to become a staple in your kitchen!
Shepherds Pie Recipe
4-6
servings20
minutes30
minutes2400
kcal50
minutesA classic Shepherd’s Pie made with a savory ground lamb or beef filling, simmered with vegetables and seasonings, then topped with creamy, buttery mashed potatoes. Baked to golden perfection, this hearty and comforting dish is perfect for family dinners or meal prep. Simple, delicious, and full of rich flavors!
Ingredients
For the Meat Filling:
1 lb (450g) ground lamb (or ground beef for Cottage Pie)
1 tbsp olive oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup carrots, diced
1 cup peas (fresh or frozen)
½ cup corn (optional)
2 tbsp tomato paste
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 cup beef broth
1 tsp fresh thyme (or ½ tsp dried thyme)
1 tsp fresh rosemary (or ½ tsp dried rosemary)
½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
½ tsp black pepper
1 tbsp all-purpose flour (to thicken the filling)
For the Mashed Potato Topping:
2 lbs (900g) potatoes, peeled and chopped
½ cup milk (warm)
4 tbsp butter
½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for extra flavor)
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
Directions
- Peel and chop the potatoes into even pieces, then place them in a pot of salted water. Bring to a boil and cook until fork-tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain the potatoes and mash them with butter, warm milk, salt, and black pepper until smooth. For extra richness, mix in shredded cheddar cheese. Set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, cooking until softened and fragrant. Add the ground lamb or beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain any excess fat if needed.
- Stir in diced carrots, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend. Pour in the beef broth and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly. Stir in peas and corn during the last few minutes of cooking.
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Spread the meat filling evenly in a baking dish. Spoon the mashed potatoes over the top, smoothing it out with a spatula. Use a fork to create ridges for a crispy texture.
- Place the dish in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the top is golden brown. For an extra crispy topping, broil for 2-3 minutes at the end.
- Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Enjoy this comforting and hearty Shepherd’s Pie with a side of fresh salad or warm, crusty bread!
Recipe Video
Notes
- Use lamb for authenticity: Traditional Shepherd’s Pie is made with ground lamb, while using ground beef makes it Cottage Pie—both are equally delicious!
- Make it ahead: This dish can be prepared in advance and refrigerated for up to 2 days before baking. Simply reheat in the oven when ready to serve!
